Planning ahead for election 2008...should we register as republicans?

[drmom]

I will admit that I am certainly not an expert in this area, but everything I’ve read seems to indicate that the vast majority of suspicious activity surrounding elections has effected those who are registered as Democrats. Would it be more likely in future elections that votes from registered republicans will be counted?

I can think of one good reasons not to: If you live in a state with close Democratic primaries, where the candidates are unique enough to really support one over the other. (I live in California, and it doesn’t look like either of our two Democratic Senators, or my Democratic Congressman will have any significant Democratic challengers.)

What am I missing here? Is this a good or bad idea? Do the parties get any financial ‘kick-back’ due to the number of people who claim affiliation?

[MrModerate]

1. Imagine what the RNC would do . . .

If there were an upsurge in 'Lican registrations . . .

Not to mention, I don't see us winning any contests by being MORE dishonest than the Republicans.

[lonehalf]

2. I don't think so.

That strategy can backfire.

In Georgia the Democrats created crossover voting when they were in power - that is: the voter does not register at all, they just declare their party affiliation at the polls.

They did this (even they won't admit it) so they could vote as a Republican in the Primary and choose who would be the Republican nominee.

Now Georgia is VERY Republican and they are doing the same thing.

The most notable instance of crossover voting was McKinney's defeats in 2002 and 2006.

Also, many Democrats switched parties because they knew that they were not going to win as a Democrat.

This caused the State Senate to be controlled by the Republicans. But I bet that their ideology didn't change.